Machado could be cleared to play March 18

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is tentatively scheduled to have his left knee reevaluated on March 18, according to manager Buck Showalter.

"That's real tentative," Showalter said Wednesday. "[Head athletic trainer] Richie [Bancells] talked to Dr. ElAttrache, he called just to check up on Manny, he's real excited with what he's hearing."

Machado, who has been cleared to do pretty much everything but play in games, has said that he has one more doctor's appointment to get the green light. Showalter wasn't sure if that March 18 date would be the big day.

"That's what I asked Richie today, does that mean we have to definitely wait until March 18 to play in a game?" Showalter said. "I don't know the answer to that question yet. That would still give him enough time [to be ready for Opening Day], if that was the case."

Machado's last appointment was prior to the team's Fanfest and required him to go to Los Angeles, which would probably be the case again.

Machado has been rehabbing the knee since undergoing reconstructive surgery in October.